EP1096836A1 - Device for firing discharge lamp - Google Patents
Device for firing discharge lamp Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1096836A1 EP1096836A1 EP99913679A EP99913679A EP1096836A1 EP 1096836 A1 EP1096836 A1 EP 1096836A1 EP 99913679 A EP99913679 A EP 99913679A EP 99913679 A EP99913679 A EP 99913679A EP 1096836 A1 EP1096836 A1 EP 1096836A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- high voltage
- discharge lamp
- voltage generating
- generating transformer
- terminal
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B41/00—Circuit arrangements or apparatus for igniting or operating discharge lamps
- H05B41/02—Details
- H05B41/04—Starting switches
- H05B41/12—Starting switches combined thermal and magnetic
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B41/00—Circuit arrangements or apparatus for igniting or operating discharge lamps
- H05B41/02—Details
- H05B41/04—Starting switches
- H05B41/042—Starting switches using semiconductor devices
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an electric discharge lamp lighting unit for lighting an electric discharge lamp used as a headlight in a vehicle such as an automobile.
- HID high intensity discharge lamps
- metal halide lamps such as metal halide lamps, high-pressure sodium lamps, mercury lamps and the like
- life span of such lamps is high.
- such lamps have been used in indoor applications such as warehouses and factories and in outdoor applications as street lamps.
- such lamps have been used as vehicle headlights in automobiles and the like. Since it is necessary to apply a high voltage starting voltage in order to light such lamps, it is necessary to provide an igniter which generates a starting voltage and add a ballast in order to light the discharge lamp in a stable manner.
- Figure 1 is a cross section of the interior structure of a high voltage generating transformer used in a conventional discharge lamp.
- reference numeral 1 denotes a high voltage-generating transformer.
- the high voltage generating transformer 1 is schematically shown as comprising a columnar core 2 disposed in the center of the transformer, a primary coil 3 wound on the periphery of the core 2, a secondary coil 4 wound on the outer side of the primary coil 3 and an insulating member 5 which insulates between the primary and secondary coils 3, 4.
- the secondary coil 4 which acts as a high voltage generating section is near the low voltage core 2 and the periphery of the low voltage core 2.
- the insulating member 5 must be of a minimum thickness.
- the present invention is proposed to solve the above problems and has the object of providing a small sized electric discharge lamp lighting device which can generate a high voltage.
- the electric discharge lamp lighting device of the present invention disposes a secondary coil for the high voltage generating transformer on the core side and a primary coil on the outer side of the secondary coil.
- a high voltage terminal for the secondary coil is connected to a terminal of the core and a low voltage terminal of the secondary coil is connected to the primary coil.
- the electric discharge lamp lighting device of the present invention achieves a reduction in the size of the electric discharge lamp lighting device by reducing the size of the high voltage generating transformer as a result of integrating the bobbin of the high voltage generating transformer with the connector used to connect the discharge lamp.
- the electric discharge lamp lighting device of the present invention facilitates insulation by maintaining the distance of the peripheral members in order to concentrate the secondary coil, which generates a high voltage, in the center of the high voltage generating transformer by providing the high voltage generating transformer on the axis of the high voltage terminal of the discharge lamp.
- the electric discharge lamp lighting device of the present invention achieves a reduction in the size of the electric discharge lamp lighting device by reducing the size of the high voltage transformer by integration of the holder which holds the core of the high voltage transformer with the terminal of the core.
- the electric discharge lamp lighting device of the present invention achieves reductions in costs and the size of the mold by the provision of a partition which fixes only the high voltage generating transformer in the case into which the high voltage generating transformer is embedded.
- the electric discharge lamp lighting device of the present invention simplifies and increases the assembly speed of the electrical connection of the high voltage transformer and the wiring board by projecting a terminal connected to a terminal of a wiring board in the case into the high voltage generating transformer when housing the high voltage generating transformer in the case.
- the electric discharge lamp lighting device of the present invention realizes a compact size for the electric discharge lamp lighting device through the creation of an empty space by offsetting the case housing the high voltage generating transformer to one side of the axis of the connector of the high voltage generating transformer and providing a luminous intensity switching motor in the space.
- FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the main internal components of a high voltage generating transformer used in an electric discharge lamp lighting device.
- reference numeral 10 denotes a high voltage-generating transformer.
- a secondary coil 13 is wound on the outer side of a laminated core 12 disposed in the center of a bobbin 11.
- a primary coil 14 is wound on the outer side of the secondary coil 13.
- the high voltage output terminal 13a of the secondary coil 13 is connected to the terminal 12a of the laminated core 12.
- the low voltage input terminal 13b of the secondary coil 13 is connected to the output terminal 14a of the primary coil 14. Both terminals are equipotential.
- a conductive material mainly composed of copper or aluminum for example may be used for each coil 13, 14.
- an insulating material such as kraft paper, synthetic resin enamel (polyvinyl formal) or the like may be used as the insulator between the coils 13, 14 and for insulation in each coil 13, 14.
- a magnetic material composed of silicon steel or the like may be used as the laminated core 12.
- the secondary coil 13 is disposed on the inner side of the primary coil 14 in contradistinction to the conventional example.
- the output terminal 13a of the secondary coil 13 is used as a terminal for the center of the laminated core 12.
- mounting operations are simplified, insulating volume and number of components are reduced and the size of the device can be reduced.
- the distance separating the peripheral members can be maintained and insulation simplified as the secondary coil 13 which generates a high voltage is concentrated in the center of the high voltage-generating transformer 10.
- FIG 3 is a circuit diagram of the layout of a lamp lighting device containing a high voltage generating transformer 10 as shown in Figure 2.
- reference numeral 16 denotes a switch
- 17 is a capacitor.
- the switch 16, the capacitor 17 and high voltage generating transformer 10 form a starting circuit 18 which acts as a lighting device.
- 19 is an HID lamp.
- 20 is a drive circuit containing a drive power source (not shown) of the HID lamp 19.
- the output terminal 13a of the secondary coil 13 of the high voltage generating transformer 10 is connected to the high voltage terminal 19a of the HID lamp 19 through a terminal 12a of the laminated core 12.
- the first embodiment it is possible to apply a high voltage (secondary voltage) on the HID lamp 19 from the secondary coil 13 by magnetic induction in the same way as the conventional example through the use of a compact high voltage generating transformer 10. As a result, it is possible to achieve a compact lighting device to light a discharge lamp such as an HID lamp 19.
- Figure 4(a) and Figure 4(b) show the structure of a high voltage generating transformer 10 used in a lighting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 4(a) is a plan view and Figure 4(b) is a cross sectional view.
- 21 is a bobbin.
- Secondary and primary coil 13, 14 are provided on an outer side of the bobbin 21.
- Alaminated core 12 is inserted into the center of the coils and a through hole 22, which is rectangular in cross section, is provided to hold the core in place.
- a connector 23 is integrally provided in the bottom section of the bobbin 21 (right side of the figure) to house the lamp which will be discussed below.
- high voltage generating transformer 10 according to a first embodiment is in the simple form of a bobbin 21 and a connector 23.
- the laminated core 12 is a laminated core in a rectangular parallelopiped shape as shown in Figure 5(a) and Figure 5(b) formed from a magnetic material as discussed above.
- the core 12 is housed in a hollow metallic holder 24 which is rectangular in cross section as shown in Figure 6(a) and Figure 6(b).
- a pair of terminals 24a, 24a are provided on one end of the metallic holder 24 (right side of the figure) to connect the high voltage terminal (not shown) of the discharge lamp. The other end is closed in order to hold the laminated core 12.
- the metallic holder 24 separates a rectangular metallic plate such as that shown in Figure 6(b) into roughly equal intervals in a direction which intersects with the longitudinal direction of the metallic holder 24 and which bends the metallic plate at approximately 90° by three folds at three tubular sections along the longitudinal direction.
- the connector 23 in the first embodiment is comprised of an outer tubular section 25 which contains the tip of the base 29 of the HID lamp 19 and an inner tubular section 26 which is disposed on the center of the outer tubular section 25 and which contains the high voltage terminal (not shown) of the HID lamp 19.
- a bush 27 for preventing electric discharge is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the inner tubular section 26.
- the high voltage-generating transformer 10 comprised as shown above is contained in a molded state in the case 30 as shown in Figure 7(a).
- the case 30 may be disassembled into a first case 31 and a second case 32 as shown in Figure 7(b) and Figure 7(c).
- a container hole 33 is formed in a section of the first case 31 in order to act as a socket which contains the base 29 of the HID lamp 19.
- a partition 34 for separating the high voltage-generating transformer 10 and the wiring board which will be discussed below is provided on an inner section of the second case 32 in an offset position.
- an engagement indentation 35 is provided on an outer peripheral section of the first case 31.
- An engaging hook 36 which engages with the engaging indentation 35 is provided on the outer periphery of the second case 32.
- the high voltage-generating transformer 10 is contained in the indented section which is fixed by the partition 34 of the second case 32. Thereafter it is fixed by resin molding and a wiring board 38 which mounts various electronic components 37 is housed in the bottom section 32a of the second case 32 on the outer side of the partition 34.
- the terminal 19b on the low voltage side of the HID lamp 19 is formed as a ring electrode (not shown) on the lower outer peripheral face of the base 29 of the HID lamp 19.
- a terminal (not shown) on the low voltage side of the high voltage-generating transformer 10 is gripped in a stable manner between the outer peripheral face of the outer tubular section 25 of the bobbin 21 and the inner peripheral face of the container hole 33of the first case section 31.
- One section of the terminal is exposed on the inner peripheral face of the container hole 33 as shown in Figure 9(a).
- the electrical connection of the terminal 19b on the low voltage side of the HID lamp 19 which is formed as a ring electrode and the terminal on the low voltage side of the high voltage generating transformer 10 is achieved by housing the base 29 of the HID lamp 19 in the container hole 33 which acts as a socket.
- 40 is an engaging hole which is formed on the upper section of the container hole 33 acting as a socket and which engages with an engaging projection (not shown) formed on the outer periphery of the base 29 of the HID lamp 19.
- 41 is a power cable for supplying electric power to the electronic components 37 housed in the case 30.
- 42 is a lighting device which contains the high voltage generating transformer 10 in the case 30 and which can house the HID lamp 19.
- a laminated core 12 is used in order to further reduce the size of the device.
- resin molding is only performed in the indentation secured by the partition 34, it is possible to reduce the amount of molding and thus reduce costs in comparison with the situation in which resin molding is performed in the second case 32.
- the high voltage generating transformer 10 comprises a section of the starter circuit 18 as shown in Figure 3.
- the starter circuit 18 and the drive circuit 20 comprise a lighting device 42 which houses the HID lamp 19 as shown in Figure 10. Also according to the first embodiment, it is possible to reduce the size of the lighting device 42 itself by using the small sized high voltage generating transformer 10.
- 43 is a reflecting mirror with a three dimensional parabolic shape.
- An aperture 44 is provided on the bottom of the reflecting mirror 43.
- a lighting device 42 which houses an HID lamp 19 as shown in Figure 10 is housed in an aperture 44.
- the lighting device 42 is gripped by a compressing spring 47 which is fixed by a first supporting member 45 and a second supporting member 46 which axe fixed to a rear face in proximity to the bottom of the reflecting mirror 43.
- a shade 49 which switches luminous intensity and which is retractable in the longitudinal direction of the HID lamp 19 (the direction of the arrow A and B in Figure 11) is mounted on a lower section of the HID lamp 19 as a guide for the low voltage wiring sheath 48.
- the displacement of the shade 49 which switches luminous intensity is performed by the luminous intensity switching motor 51which is mounted on the support member 50 fixed to the rear face in proximity to the bottom of the reflecting mirror 43.
- the switching motor 51 advances or retracts an arm 52 which is fixed to one end of the shade 49 in order to switch luminous intensity.
- the shade 49 for switching the luminous intensity and the luminous intensity switching motor 51 comprise a luminous intensity switching mechanism 53.
- the shade 49 for switching the luminous intensity when advancing reduces the amount of light which enters the upper forward section by filtering a section of downward light out of the light which approaches the inner face of the reflecting mirror 43 from the HID lamp 19.
- the position of the shade 49 for switching the luminous intensity in Figure 11 is in a low beam state (L beam) in which the amount of light is reduced. It is possible to create a high beam state (H beam) in which the amount of light is restored by retracting the shade 49 for switching the luminous intensity to a position proximate to the bottom of the reflecting mirror 43.
- the mechanism 53 for switching luminous intensity, the HID lamp 19, the lighting device 42 and the reflecting mirror 43 comprise an electric discharge lamp device 54.
- a lighting device 42 is offset to an upper position with reference to the center of the bottom of the reflecting mirror 43 or the axial line of the high voltage terminal of the HID lamp 19. Due to the offset, it is possible to create an empty space in the lower bottom of the reflecting mirror 43. Since it is possible to use the empty space as a mount for the luminous intensity switching motor 51, it is possible to increase the compactness of the discharge lamp device 54.
- the position of the high voltage generating transformer 10 is offset to one side in the case 30 of the lighting device 42 in consideration of the fact that the high voltage generating transformer 10 is disposed on the axial line of the high voltage terminal of the HID lamp 19.
- the section which generates high voltage is concentrated on the axial line by the disposition of the high voltage-generating transformer 10 on the axial line of the high voltage terminal of the HID lamp 19.
- insulation with respect to other components is easy due to the concentration of the section which generates high voltage on the axial line.
- a secondary coil of the high voltage generating transformer is disposed on the core side.
- a primary coil is disposed on the outer side of the secondary coil and the output terminal of the secondary coil is connected to the terminal of the core.
- the input terminal of the secondary coil is connected to the output terminal of the primary coil.
- the high voltage generating transformer bobbin and the discharge lamp connecting connector are integrated. Otherwise the holder which grips the core of the high voltage generating transformer and the terminal of the core are integrated. Thus it is possible to reduce the size of the discharge lamp lighting device through the reduction in size of the high voltage generating transformer.
- the high voltage generating transformer is provided on the axial line of the high voltage terminal of the discharge lamp, a distance with respect to peripheral components may be maintained and insulation may thus be easily ensured as the secondary coil which generates high voltage is concentrated in the central section of the high voltage generating transformer.
- the partition is provided which secures the high voltage generating transformer to the case in which the transformer is embedded, it is possible to reduce the amount of molding and thus reduce costs.
- the terminal which is connected with the terminal of the wiring board in the case projects onto the high voltage generating transformer when stored in the case, the electrical connection operation of the high voltage generating transformer and the wiring board may be simplified and performed in a shorter time.
- an empty space is formed by offsetting a case which stores the high voltage generating transformer to one side of an axial line of a connector for the discharge lamp and a luminous intensity switching motor is disposed in the space. In this way, it is possible to increase the compactness of the discharge lamp device.
- an electric discharge lamp device is adapted to light an electric discharge lamp used as a headlight of the vehicle such as an automobile.
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- Circuit Arrangements For Discharge Lamps (AREA)
- Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
- Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to an electric discharge lamp lighting unit for lighting an electric discharge lamp used as a headlight in a vehicle such as an automobile.
- The beam strength and lamp efficiency of high intensity discharge lamps (HID) such as metal halide lamps, high-pressure sodium lamps, mercury lamps and the like is very high. In addition, conventionally, the life span of such lamps is high. In view of such advantages, such lamps have been used in indoor applications such as warehouses and factories and in outdoor applications as street lamps. In particular, in recent years, such lamps have been used as vehicle headlights in automobiles and the like. Since it is necessary to apply a high voltage starting voltage in order to light such lamps, it is necessary to provide an igniter which generates a starting voltage and add a ballast in order to light the discharge lamp in a stable manner.
- Figure 1 is a cross section of the interior structure of a high voltage generating transformer used in a conventional discharge lamp. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a high voltage-generating transformer. The high voltage generating transformer 1 is schematically shown as comprising a
columnar core 2 disposed in the center of the transformer, aprimary coil 3 wound on the periphery of thecore 2, asecondary coil 4 wound on the outer side of theprimary coil 3 and aninsulating member 5 which insulates between the primary andsecondary coils - Since the high voltage generating transformer 1 in the conventional discharge lamp is constructed as above, the
secondary coil 4 which acts as a high voltage generating section is near thelow voltage core 2 and the periphery of thelow voltage core 2. As a result, it is necessary to create an insulating distance L with respect to high voltage between thecore 2 and thesecondary coil 4 and between thesecondary coil 4 and its peripheral components. Therefore theinsulating member 5 must be of a minimum thickness. As a result, the problem of reducing the size of a lamp which is to be mounted in an automobile for example has arisen. - The present invention is proposed to solve the above problems and has the object of providing a small sized electric discharge lamp lighting device which can generate a high voltage.
- The electric discharge lamp lighting device of the present invention disposes a secondary coil for the high voltage generating transformer on the core side and a primary coil on the outer side of the secondary coil. A high voltage terminal for the secondary coil is connected to a terminal of the core and a low voltage terminal of the secondary coil is connected to the primary coil. In such a way, it is possible to reduce the insulating volume and the number of components as well as reduce the size of the unit.
- The electric discharge lamp lighting device of the present invention achieves a reduction in the size of the electric discharge lamp lighting device by reducing the size of the high voltage generating transformer as a result of integrating the bobbin of the high voltage generating transformer with the connector used to connect the discharge lamp.
- The electric discharge lamp lighting device of the present invention facilitates insulation by maintaining the distance of the peripheral members in order to concentrate the secondary coil, which generates a high voltage, in the center of the high voltage generating transformer by providing the high voltage generating transformer on the axis of the high voltage terminal of the discharge lamp.
- The electric discharge lamp lighting device of the present invention achieves a reduction in the size of the electric discharge lamp lighting device by reducing the size of the high voltage transformer by integration of the holder which holds the core of the high voltage transformer with the terminal of the core.
- The electric discharge lamp lighting device of the present invention achieves reductions in costs and the size of the mold by the provision of a partition which fixes only the high voltage generating transformer in the case into which the high voltage generating transformer is embedded.
- The electric discharge lamp lighting device of the present invention simplifies and increases the assembly speed of the electrical connection of the high voltage transformer and the wiring board by projecting a terminal connected to a terminal of a wiring board in the case into the high voltage generating transformer when housing the high voltage generating transformer in the case.
- The electric discharge lamp lighting device of the present invention realizes a compact size for the electric discharge lamp lighting device through the creation of an empty space by offsetting the case housing the high voltage generating transformer to one side of the axis of the connector of the high voltage generating transformer and providing a luminous intensity switching motor in the space.
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- Figure 1 is a cross section of the internal structure of a high voltage generating transformer in a conventional electric discharge lamp lighting device.
- Figure 2 is a cross section of main components in the internal structure of a high voltage generating transformer in a electric discharge lamp lighting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 3 is a circuit diagram of the structure of a electric discharge lamp lighting device containing the high voltage generating transformer shown in Figure 2.
- Figure 4(a) and Figure 4(b) show the structure of a high voltage generating transformer used in a electric discharge lamp lighting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention where (a) is a front view and (b) is a cross sectional view.
- Figure 5(a) and 5(b) show an actual example of a core where (a) is a front view and (b) is a cross sectional view.
- Figure 6(a) and 6(b) show a terminal also acting as a holder containing the core where (a) is a front view and (b) is a lateral view.
- Figure 7(a) is a cross sectional view of a high voltage generating transformer contained m a case where Figure 7(b) is a front view of a first case section of the case shown in Figure 7(a) and Figure 7(c) is a front view of a second case section.
- Figure 8 is a front view of an example of a method of electrically connecting a high voltage generating transformer and a wiring board.
- Figure 9 (a) to Figure 9(d) show the outer appearance of a lamp lighting device where (a) is a front view, (b) is a perspective view along the line BB of Figure 9(a), (c) is a perspective view along the line CC of Figure 9(a) and (d) is a perspective along the line DD of Figure 9(a).
- Figure 10 is a front view of a partial cross section showing an HID lamp as housed in a lamp lighting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 11 is a front view of a partial cross section showing a discharge lamp device as used in a lamp lighting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 12 is a lateral view of the mounting structure of a lighting device for an electric discharge lamp lighting device shown in Figure 11.
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- In order to explain the invention in greater detail the preferred embodiments are outlined below with reference to the accompanying figures.
- Figure 2 is a cross sectional view of the main internal components of a high voltage generating transformer used in an electric discharge lamp lighting device. In Figure 2,
reference numeral 10 denotes a high voltage-generating transformer. In the highvoltage generating transformer 10, asecondary coil 13 is wound on the outer side of a laminatedcore 12 disposed in the center of abobbin 11. Aprimary coil 14 is wound on the outer side of thesecondary coil 13. The highvoltage output terminal 13a of thesecondary coil 13 is connected to theterminal 12a of the laminatedcore 12. The lowvoltage input terminal 13b of thesecondary coil 13 is connected to theoutput terminal 14a of theprimary coil 14. Both terminals are equipotential. A conductive material mainly composed of copper or aluminum for example may be used for eachcoil coils coil core 12. - On the basis of the above construction, the
secondary coil 13 is disposed on the inner side of theprimary coil 14 in contradistinction to the conventional example. As a result, it is possible to use theoutput terminal 13a of thesecondary coil 13 as a terminal for the center of the laminatedcore 12. Thus mounting operations are simplified, insulating volume and number of components are reduced and the size of the device can be reduced. Furthermore the distance separating the peripheral members can be maintained and insulation simplified as thesecondary coil 13 which generates a high voltage is concentrated in the center of the high voltage-generatingtransformer 10. - Figure 3 is a circuit diagram of the layout of a lamp lighting device containing a high
voltage generating transformer 10 as shown in Figure 2. In Figure 3,reference numeral 16 denotes a switch, 17 is a capacitor. Theswitch 16, thecapacitor 17 and highvoltage generating transformer 10 form astarting circuit 18 which acts as a lighting device. In Figure 3, 19 is an HID lamp. 20 is a drive circuit containing a drive power source (not shown) of theHID lamp 19. Theoutput terminal 13a of thesecondary coil 13 of the highvoltage generating transformer 10 is connected to thehigh voltage terminal 19a of theHID lamp 19 through aterminal 12a of the laminatedcore 12. - According to the first embodiment, it is possible to apply a high voltage (secondary voltage) on the
HID lamp 19 from thesecondary coil 13 by magnetic induction in the same way as the conventional example through the use of a compact highvoltage generating transformer 10. As a result, it is possible to achieve a compact lighting device to light a discharge lamp such as anHID lamp 19. - Since Figure 4(a) and Figure 4(b) show the structure of a high
voltage generating transformer 10 used in a lighting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4(a) is a plan view and Figure 4(b) is a cross sectional view. In the figures, 21 is a bobbin. Secondary andprimary coil bobbin 21.Alaminated core 12 is inserted into the center of the coils and a throughhole 22, which is rectangular in cross section, is provided to hold the core in place. Aconnector 23 is integrally provided in the bottom section of the bobbin 21 (right side of the figure) to house the lamp which will be discussed below. In other words, highvoltage generating transformer 10 according to a first embodiment is in the simple form of abobbin 21 and aconnector 23. - The
laminated core 12 according to the first embodiment is a laminated core in a rectangular parallelopiped shape as shown in Figure 5(a) and Figure 5(b) formed from a magnetic material as discussed above. Thecore 12 is housed in a hollowmetallic holder 24 which is rectangular in cross section as shown in Figure 6(a) and Figure 6(b). A pair ofterminals laminated core 12. Themetallic holder 24 according to the first embodiment separates a rectangular metallic plate such as that shown in Figure 6(b) into roughly equal intervals in a direction which intersects with the longitudinal direction of themetallic holder 24 and which bends the metallic plate at approximately 90° by three folds at three tubular sections along the longitudinal direction. - The
connector 23 in the first embodiment is comprised of an outertubular section 25 which contains the tip of thebase 29 of theHID lamp 19 and aninner tubular section 26 which is disposed on the center of the outertubular section 25 and which contains the high voltage terminal (not shown) of theHID lamp 19. Abush 27 for preventing electric discharge is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of theinner tubular section 26. - The high voltage-generating
transformer 10 comprised as shown above is contained in a molded state in thecase 30 as shown in Figure 7(a). Thecase 30 may be disassembled into afirst case 31 and asecond case 32 as shown in Figure 7(b) and Figure 7(c). Acontainer hole 33 is formed in a section of thefirst case 31 in order to act as a socket which contains thebase 29 of theHID lamp 19. Apartition 34 for separating the high voltage-generatingtransformer 10 and the wiring board which will be discussed below is provided on an inner section of thesecond case 32 in an offset position. Furthermore anengagement indentation 35 is provided on an outer peripheral section of thefirst case 31. An engaginghook 36 which engages with the engagingindentation 35 is provided on the outer periphery of thesecond case 32. - The high voltage-generating
transformer 10 is contained in the indented section which is fixed by thepartition 34 of thesecond case 32. Thereafter it is fixed by resin molding and awiring board 38 which mounts variouselectronic components 37 is housed in thebottom section 32a of thesecond case 32 on the outer side of thepartition 34. - In relation to the electrical connection of the high
voltage generating transformer 10 and thewiring board 38, as shown by Figure 8 after housing thewiring board 38 in thesecond case 32, it is possible to connect the terminal 10a on the highvoltage generating transformer 10 side to the terminal 38a on thewiring board side 38. In this way, it is possible to perform connection operations in a rapid and simple manner by connecting both terminals in a predetermined position and form. - The terminal 19b on the low voltage side of the
HID lamp 19 is formed as a ring electrode (not shown) on the lower outer peripheral face of thebase 29 of theHID lamp 19. On the other hand, a terminal (not shown) on the low voltage side of the high voltage-generatingtransformer 10 is gripped in a stable manner between the outer peripheral face of the outertubular section 25 of thebobbin 21 and the inner peripheral face of the container hole 33of thefirst case section 31. One section of the terminal is exposed on the inner peripheral face of thecontainer hole 33 as shown in Figure 9(a). The electrical connection of the terminal 19b on the low voltage side of theHID lamp 19 which is formed as a ring electrode and the terminal on the low voltage side of the highvoltage generating transformer 10 is achieved by housing thebase 29 of theHID lamp 19 in thecontainer hole 33 which acts as a socket. Furthermore as shown in Figure 9(a) and Figure 9(d), 40 is an engaging hole which is formed on the upper section of thecontainer hole 33 acting as a socket and which engages with an engaging projection (not shown) formed on the outer periphery of thebase 29 of theHID lamp 19. 41 is a power cable for supplying electric power to theelectronic components 37 housed in thecase 30. 42 is a lighting device which contains the highvoltage generating transformer 10 in thecase 30 and which can house theHID lamp 19. - It is possible to reduce the size of the device in the first embodiment by integrating the
bobbin 21 and theconnector 23. In the first embodiment, alaminated core 12 is used in order to further reduce the size of the device. However it is also possible to increase the magnetic flux density and reduce eddy currents by the use of such a laminated core. Furthermore in embodiment 1, since resin molding is only performed in the indentation secured by thepartition 34, it is possible to reduce the amount of molding and thus reduce costs in comparison with the situation in which resin molding is performed in thesecond case 32. - The high
voltage generating transformer 10 according to a first embodiment comprises a section of thestarter circuit 18 as shown in Figure 3. Thestarter circuit 18 and thedrive circuit 20 comprise alighting device 42 which houses theHID lamp 19 as shown in Figure 10. Also according to the first embodiment, it is possible to reduce the size of thelighting device 42 itself by using the small sized highvoltage generating transformer 10. - In Figure 11 and Figure 12, 43 is a reflecting mirror with a three dimensional parabolic shape. An
aperture 44 is provided on the bottom of the reflectingmirror 43. Alighting device 42 which houses anHID lamp 19 as shown in Figure 10 is housed in anaperture 44. Thelighting device 42 is gripped by a compressingspring 47 which is fixed by a first supportingmember 45 and a second supportingmember 46 which axe fixed to a rear face in proximity to the bottom of the reflectingmirror 43. Ashade 49 which switches luminous intensity and which is retractable in the longitudinal direction of the HID lamp 19 (the direction of the arrow A and B in Figure 11) is mounted on a lower section of theHID lamp 19 as a guide for the lowvoltage wiring sheath 48. The displacement of theshade 49 which switches luminous intensity is performed by the luminous intensity switching motor 51which is mounted on thesupport member 50 fixed to the rear face in proximity to the bottom of the reflectingmirror 43. The switchingmotor 51 advances or retracts anarm 52 which is fixed to one end of theshade 49 in order to switch luminous intensity. Theshade 49 for switching the luminous intensity and the luminousintensity switching motor 51 comprise a luminousintensity switching mechanism 53. Theshade 49 for switching the luminous intensity when advancing reduces the amount of light which enters the upper forward section by filtering a section of downward light out of the light which approaches the inner face of the reflectingmirror 43 from theHID lamp 19. The position of theshade 49 for switching the luminous intensity in Figure 11 is in a low beam state (L beam) in which the amount of light is reduced. It is possible to create a high beam state (H beam) in which the amount of light is restored by retracting theshade 49 for switching the luminous intensity to a position proximate to the bottom of the reflectingmirror 43. - In embodiment 1, the
mechanism 53 for switching luminous intensity, theHID lamp 19, thelighting device 42 and the reflectingmirror 43 comprise an electricdischarge lamp device 54. - In embodiment 1, as shown in Figure 11 and Figure 12, a
lighting device 42 is offset to an upper position with reference to the center of the bottom of the reflectingmirror 43 or the axial line of the high voltage terminal of theHID lamp 19. Due to the offset, it is possible to create an empty space in the lower bottom of the reflectingmirror 43. Since it is possible to use the empty space as a mount for the luminousintensity switching motor 51, it is possible to increase the compactness of thedischarge lamp device 54. In order to achieve the offset, the position of the highvoltage generating transformer 10 is offset to one side in thecase 30 of thelighting device 42 in consideration of the fact that the highvoltage generating transformer 10 is disposed on the axial line of the high voltage terminal of theHID lamp 19. The section which generates high voltage is concentrated on the axial line by the disposition of the high voltage-generatingtransformer 10 on the axial line of the high voltage terminal of theHID lamp 19. Thus insulation with respect to other components is easy due to the concentration of the section which generates high voltage on the axial line. - As explained above, according to the present invention, a secondary coil of the high voltage generating transformer is disposed on the core side. A primary coil is disposed on the outer side of the secondary coil and the output terminal of the secondary coil is connected to the terminal of the core. The input terminal of the secondary coil is connected to the output terminal of the primary coil. In this way, it is possible to reduce the volume of the insulation volume and reduce the number of components and therefore reduce the size of the device.
- According to the present invention, the high voltage generating transformer bobbin and the discharge lamp connecting connector are integrated. Otherwise the holder which grips the core of the high voltage generating transformer and the terminal of the core are integrated. Thus it is possible to reduce the size of the discharge lamp lighting device through the reduction in size of the high voltage generating transformer.
- According to the present invention, since the high voltage generating transformer is provided on the axial line of the high voltage terminal of the discharge lamp, a distance with respect to peripheral components may be maintained and insulation may thus be easily ensured as the secondary coil which generates high voltage is concentrated in the central section of the high voltage generating transformer.
- According to the present invention, since the partition is provided which secures the high voltage generating transformer to the case in which the transformer is embedded, it is possible to reduce the amount of molding and thus reduce costs.
- According to the present invention, since the terminal which is connected with the terminal of the wiring board in the case projects onto the high voltage generating transformer when stored in the case, the electrical connection operation of the high voltage generating transformer and the wiring board may be simplified and performed in a shorter time.
- According to the present invention, an empty space is formed by offsetting a case which stores the high voltage generating transformer to one side of an axial line of a connector for the discharge lamp and a luminous intensity switching motor is disposed in the space. In this way, it is possible to increase the compactness of the discharge lamp device.
- As shown above, an electric discharge lamp device according to the present invention is adapted to light an electric discharge lamp used as a headlight of the vehicle such as an automobile.
Claims (7)
- An electric discharge lamp lighting device provided with a high voltage generating transformer, wherein a secondary coil of said high voltage generating transformer is disposed near a core, a primary coil is disposed on an outer side of said secondary coil, a high voltage terminal of said secondary coil is connected to a terminal of said core and a low voltage terminal of said secondary coil is connected to a primary coil.
- An electric discharge lamp lighting device according to Claim 1, wherein a bobbin of said high voltage generating transformer and a connector for connecting an electric discharge lamp are integrated.
- An electric discharge lamp lighting device according to Claim 1, wherein a high voltage generating transformer is provided on an axial line of a high voltage terminal of a discharge lamp.
- An electric discharge lamp lighting device according to Claim 1, wherein a holder gripping said core of said high voltage generating transformer and a terminal of said core are integrated.
- An electric discharge lamp lighting device according to Claim 2, wherein a partition securing only said high voltage generating transformer in said case in which said transformer is embedded is provided.
- An electric discharge lamp lighting device according to Claim 5, wherein when storing said high voltage generating transformer in said case, a terminal connected with a terminal of a wiring board in said case projects to said high voltage generating transformer.
- An electric discharge lamp lighting device according to Claim 1, wherein an empty space is formed by offsetting said case storing said high voltage generating transformer to one side of an axial line of a connector connecting said discharge lamp, said space housing a luminance intensity switching motor.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/JP1999/002020 WO2000064221A1 (en) | 1999-04-15 | 1999-04-15 | Device for firing discharge lamp |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1096836A1 true EP1096836A1 (en) | 2001-05-02 |
EP1096836A4 EP1096836A4 (en) | 2005-05-04 |
EP1096836B1 EP1096836B1 (en) | 2006-08-30 |
Family
ID=14235490
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP99913679A Expired - Lifetime EP1096836B1 (en) | 1999-04-15 | 1999-04-15 | Device for firing discharge lamp |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6388380B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1096836B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP4011289B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR100402387B1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE69933031T2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2000064221A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1311143A1 (en) * | 2000-08-17 | 2003-05-14 | Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha | Device for lighting discharge lamp |
EP1635619A3 (en) * | 2004-09-10 | 2006-05-24 | Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft für elektrische Glühlampen mbH | Transformer, ignitor with such a transformer, and high-pressure discharge lamp with such a transformer |
DE102014114610B4 (en) * | 2013-10-09 | 2019-05-23 | Tdk Corporation | coil device |
Families Citing this family (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2001101909A (en) * | 1999-09-30 | 2001-04-13 | Matsushita Electric Works Ltd | Lighting device |
US7208879B2 (en) * | 2004-05-10 | 2007-04-24 | Harison Toshiba Lighting Corporation | Lighting apparatus for discharge lamp |
US7290907B2 (en) * | 2006-02-24 | 2007-11-06 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd | Vehicle headlamp with daytime running light |
US7652550B2 (en) | 2006-03-13 | 2010-01-26 | Mitsubishi Electric Corporation | High-voltage generating transformer for discharge lamp lighting apparatus |
KR20090013171A (en) * | 2006-03-21 | 2009-02-04 | 액티브 이에스 라이팅 컨트롤즈, 아이엔씨. | Circuit, and method of making and using |
CN101471167A (en) * | 2007-12-29 | 2009-07-01 | 皇家飞利浦电子股份有限公司 | Power transmission device and winding method for its primary coil |
JP5953742B2 (en) * | 2011-12-27 | 2016-07-20 | 市光工業株式会社 | Vehicle headlamp |
US11657951B2 (en) * | 2020-06-24 | 2023-05-23 | Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. | Integrated embedded transformer module |
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JPH07263157A (en) * | 1994-03-24 | 1995-10-13 | Sansha Electric Mfg Co Ltd | High intensity discharge lamp lighting method, and its power supply |
US5600208A (en) * | 1994-11-10 | 1997-02-04 | Nippondenso Co., Ltd. | Discharge lamp unit having separable high-voltage transformer safeguard |
JPH1074643A (en) * | 1996-08-29 | 1998-03-17 | Denso Corp | High voltage generating coil of high voltage discharge lamp lighting equipment |
JPH1116749A (en) * | 1997-06-23 | 1999-01-22 | Ngk Spark Plug Co Ltd | High-voltage transformer |
JPH1154344A (en) * | 1997-08-01 | 1999-02-26 | Ngk Spark Plug Co Ltd | High tension transformer |
Family Cites Families (6)
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JP2615522B2 (en) * | 1992-01-21 | 1997-05-28 | 松下電器産業株式会社 | Lighting device for discharge lamp |
JP2638373B2 (en) * | 1992-01-21 | 1997-08-06 | 松下電器産業株式会社 | High voltage transformer |
DE19680254B4 (en) * | 1995-02-28 | 2007-01-04 | Matsushita Electric Works Ltd., Kadoma-Shi | discharge lamp lighting |
JP3315854B2 (en) * | 1995-02-28 | 2002-08-19 | 松下電工株式会社 | Discharge lamp lighting device |
US6084354A (en) * | 1997-03-06 | 2000-07-04 | Ngk Spark Plug Co., Ltd. | Vehicle-lamp lighting-on device |
JPH10302537A (en) | 1997-04-23 | 1998-11-13 | Ngk Spark Plug Co Ltd | Discharge lamp device |
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1999
- 1999-04-15 JP JP2000613229A patent/JP4011289B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1999-04-15 KR KR10-2000-7014263A patent/KR100402387B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1999-04-15 WO PCT/JP1999/002020 patent/WO2000064221A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1999-04-15 DE DE69933031T patent/DE69933031T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1999-04-15 EP EP99913679A patent/EP1096836B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2000
- 2000-11-27 US US09/721,960 patent/US6388380B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
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JPH07263157A (en) * | 1994-03-24 | 1995-10-13 | Sansha Electric Mfg Co Ltd | High intensity discharge lamp lighting method, and its power supply |
US5600208A (en) * | 1994-11-10 | 1997-02-04 | Nippondenso Co., Ltd. | Discharge lamp unit having separable high-voltage transformer safeguard |
JPH1074643A (en) * | 1996-08-29 | 1998-03-17 | Denso Corp | High voltage generating coil of high voltage discharge lamp lighting equipment |
JPH1116749A (en) * | 1997-06-23 | 1999-01-22 | Ngk Spark Plug Co Ltd | High-voltage transformer |
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PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 1996, no. 02, 29 February 1996 (1996-02-29) & JP 07 263157 A (SANSHA ELECTRIC MFG CO LTD), 13 October 1995 (1995-10-13) * |
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Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1311143A1 (en) * | 2000-08-17 | 2003-05-14 | Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha | Device for lighting discharge lamp |
EP1311143A4 (en) * | 2000-08-17 | 2003-11-05 | Mitsubishi Electric Corp | Device for lighting discharge lamp |
EP1635619A3 (en) * | 2004-09-10 | 2006-05-24 | Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft für elektrische Glühlampen mbH | Transformer, ignitor with such a transformer, and high-pressure discharge lamp with such a transformer |
US7528693B2 (en) | 2004-09-10 | 2009-05-05 | Osram Gesellschaft Mit Beschraenkter Haftung | Transformer and starting device having a transformer, and high pressure discharge lamp having a transformer |
DE102014114610B4 (en) * | 2013-10-09 | 2019-05-23 | Tdk Corporation | coil device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US6388380B1 (en) | 2002-05-14 |
EP1096836B1 (en) | 2006-08-30 |
WO2000064221A1 (en) | 2000-10-26 |
DE69933031D1 (en) | 2006-10-12 |
KR100402387B1 (en) | 2003-10-17 |
DE69933031T2 (en) | 2007-03-08 |
EP1096836A4 (en) | 2005-05-04 |
JP4011289B2 (en) | 2007-11-21 |
KR20010052910A (en) | 2001-06-25 |
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